There’s divisiveness among Maute group leaders

Manila, Philippines — Issues with money and logistical support are sowing divisiveness among the leaders of the terror Maute group in Marawi City, the military said Sunday.

Speaking at a press conference in Marawi city, Joint Task Force Marawi Spokesperson Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera said the Armed Forces has been receiving reports of disagreements and death trials within the terrorist group’s ranks.

[Translation: What we see here is they’re really divided. They were really left there… In essence, these are criminals where the money they obtained, they stole, are driving them to slip away from the conflict area.]

Military still verifying Hapilon escape

The military is also verifying claims Hapilon has escaped from Marawi.

Herrera said there are reports the Abu Sayyaf leader has not been monitored commanding troops on the ground, but added these remain for validation.

“Meron tayong proceso dito [We have a process] in terms of validation and verification of reports but we shall continue to secure the area in terms of employing our forces in possible gaps,” he said.

The Maute group has been battling government troops reportedly to protect Hapilon, who is allegedly working with the group to establish a “wilayat,” or caliphate of ISIS in Lanao del Sur.

Herrera, however, said Maute group founder Abdullah Maute is still in Marawi.

He added the military is securing all possible escape routes for terrorists in the war-torn city.